“Physical location issues are neither plain nor vanilla. In fact, space management may well be the most ignored —and most powerful— tool for inducing cultural change, speeding up innovative projects, and enhancing the learning process in organizations.”
-Tom Peters (from his book, Liberation Management)
Space design has a powerful impact on each of us every single day. Whether we are aware of it or not, the spaces we occupy shape the way we think, feel and operate. Most of us are familiar with the basics of this concept. For instance, we recognize that in general:
•Brightly lit rooms decorated in bold colors tend to stimulate us, while softly lit rooms decorated in mellow colors
encourage us to relax
•Cavernous, wide-open spaces draw our attention outward, whereas tight, contained spaces tend to focus us in.
Intentional Interior Design (IID) Optimizes and Influences Employee Behavior
Throughout history, architects and designers have recognized the power of IID, and have strategically used design to achieve outstanding results. Think about these spaces and the mood that they induce:
•Major government buildings: imposing facades, and sturdy architecture and materials tacitly confirm the unshakable power of the institution.
•Religious structures: design elements often reflect the values of a faith. In many cases awe invoking scale and beautiful decoration
•Formal, private offices that invoke hushed tones vs. open plan spaces with higher noise levels and high degree of interaction.
Planning and Analyzing Work Behaviors with IID
In analyzing workspaces, IID considers three primary work modes which include: 1.Focus or individual work, 2.Share or the exchange of ideas and 3.Team or goal directed work.
In addition, IID encompasses activity behaviors which are an integral part of all work modes and workspaces. It is through activity behaviors that organization cultural shorthand, company norms, and information on how things really get done, are conveyed between employees through impromptu exchanges.
Activity behaviors provide important social connections—the link that binds people and the organization, and are absolutely essential to organizational success. While activity behaviors happen everywhere, IID designs them to occur in spaces that specifically supports strategic communication: coffee bars, stairwells, game rooms, and anywhere else people can casually come together.
Multi-purpose spaces such as IDEO offices above are perfect for informal meetings, group gatherings and after hours fun.
Mission Blue’s Engaged Workplace Design
As a leader of your organization, valuable questions to consider are:
•How well does the overall office provide an engaging workplace?
•Is there a feeling of belonging?
•Do you provide your employees the ability to connect with others?
•Does your space cultivate a positive and enduring image of your company?
•Does your space uplift mood and create a sense of belonging?
•Is it a welcoming environment and inviting?
•How well does the design and layout facilitate interaction and communication?
•How well does the design and layout facilitate interaction and communication?
•Is there good support for casual and formal interaction?
•Are there quality meeting spaces?
•Do you provide the right number, size and location of meeting spaces and ability to reserve and occupy them?
•Do you provide the right number, size and location of meeting spaces and ability to reserve and occupy them?
•Do you provide space when needed for both small and large teams?
•What is the level of physical comfort and ergonomics provided by the furniture and equipment in the collective and individual space?
•Is there acoustic privacy when necessary?
IID - The Right Strategy to Design for Success
IID is finding the right balance between people, process and place will effectively support the right work for the right people. The key is to support a highly active workplace that embraces the full spectrum of work, whether that work occurs in the private office, the conference room or a collaborative area. A strong, dynamic real estate strategy is a crucial means for attracting and retaining talent, fostering collaboration, and boosting worker efficiency and morale. It is the most effective strategy for any industry’s success.
Mission Blue’s Consulting Offer
Mission Blue Partners with Sage Alliance to Define and Facilitate High Performance Workplaces that Maximize Human Potential
Mission Blue Design is a proud member of SAGE ALLIANCE PARTNERS, whose mission is to support leadership, high performance teaming and maximizing human potential at work. With the support of Sage Alliance, MISSION BLUE more effectively designs work spaces that inspire creative thinking, high productivity, powerful teams, and engaged, healthy and committed employees.
To learn more about how environments promote employee health, read my blog post, “Creating a Productive, Healthy and Sustainable Workplace”.
